A 14-year-old boy has been killed after being struck by a train at a notorious level crossing in Nottinghamshire, a site long plagued by safety fears and near misses.
A Tragic Incident and a History of Warnings
Josh Travis, a former Nottingham Forest academy goalkeeper, died on the evening of Wednesday, 26th November, at the Chestnut Grove level crossing in Burton Joyce. The crossing, which has no warning lights or alarms, requires pedestrians to judge for themselves when it is safe to cross the busy Nottingham to Lincoln line, used by around 70 high-speed trains daily.
In a heartbreaking twist, rail infrastructure company Network Rail had applied to Nottinghamshire County Council to close the crossing just 24 hours before the tragedy. A notice posted at the site cited the application was made "on the grounds of public safety, due to misuse of the crossing and several near misses with trains". There is no suggestion Josh was misusing the crossing at the time.
His devastated family paid tribute, describing Josh as "a lad with an incredible energy for life, an infectious and mischievous smile, kind sparkling eyes, and so much love to give".
A Crossing with a Dangerous Reputation
Residents have campaigned for years for the crossing to be shut or made safer. It has been the scene of numerous alarming incidents, including one in 2018 when actor Mat Horne, star of Gavin and Stacey, was 'clipped' by a train and suffered an arm injury while walking home.
Local authorities have repeatedly grappled with the dangers at the location:
- In 2021, Network Rail temporarily closed it after 16 near misses in two years, later reopening it with new gates and a non-slip surface.
- In 2022, the company released shocking CCTV footage of trespassing and reckless behaviour to warn the community.
- Last year, Network Rail sought an emergency six-month closure, a move opposed by parish councillors who wanted better safety measures instead.
Following Josh's death, a temporary 21-day closure has been granted by the council while investigations continue. Locals are now demanding a permanent solution. "They need to permanently close this crossing. My heart skips a beat every time I've had to use it," said nearby resident Joanna Tait.
Community in Mourning and Calls for Action
Emergency services were called to the line just after 7pm on Wednesday. Despite the efforts of paramedics, Joshua was pronounced dead at the scene. British Transport Police stated his death is not being treated as suspicious.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has launched an inquiry, with inspectors gathering evidence at the site. Mark Budden, Network Rail's route director for the East Midlands, said: "Our immediate thoughts are with the family and friends that have been affected by this tragic incident. Safety is our top priority."
The community has been left reeling. Hundreds of floral tributes, football memorabilia, and messages have been left near the now-fenced-off crossing. Josh's football club, Aspire Football Coaching, postponed all weekend games, describing him as a "fantastic goalkeeper" and a "great character".
On Sunday, a minute's silence was observed at Nottingham Forest's City Ground, with players wearing black armbands in his memory. The tragedy has intensified the long-standing debate over the crossing's future, with many arguing for its permanent closure or the installation of a bridge, flashing lights, or automatic gates to prevent further loss of life.
